STA Tests Out New Pool Provider and Gives Them a Bunk Up
Chris Bateman, Lee Waterworth, and Zoe Cooper marking the launch of the new partnership at SPATEX 2025.
New commercial-grade pool solutions for swim schools & school swimming lessons
With pool closures and limited pool time availability being major concerns for private swim schools across the UK, nearly half of those surveyed in our recent baby and pre-school swimming survey said they would consider building their own pool. In line with this demand for wanting commercial-grade teaching pools that don’t come with the high price tag of an Olympic-sized pool, STA has partnered with BUNKA Pools, who provide scalable and eco-friendly above-ground pool solutions.
About BUNKA Pools
BUNKA Pools address the growing demand from the private swim school market for affordable, long-lasting eco-friendly pool options. The design is tailored for commercial, multi-purpose use, prioritising versatility and practicality over large-scale, high-volume installations.
Key features include:
- Steel Durability: The BUNKA Pool features a sturdy steel framework designed for long-lasting performance and reliability.
- Customisable Design: Each pool is tailored to fit the specific needs of a swim school, ensuring it works well in your available space.
- Sustainable Construction: BUNKA Pools are built with sustainability in mind, minimising both environmental impact and energy use during both construction and operation.
- Quick Installation: The installation process is efficient and streamlined, allowing for minimal disruption to your operations. From order to deposit, there is a 12–16-week turnaround, and it takes approx. 2 weeks to build the pool on a pre-prepared site.
- Cost-Effective: The pools, which start from £2,750 per sqm plus VAT, balance high quality with cost efficiency. With low maintenance and energy-efficient features, they also help reduce ongoing expenses, offering long-term savings for your swim school.
Chris Bateman, STA Pool Plant Tutor, has been testing out the BUNKA Pools for STA and from a pool plant operations perspective he said: “BUNKA Pools are tailored to meet the multi-use needs of swim schools. The above-ground, commercial-grade pools feature automatic dosing, UV system, and high-performance pumps and filtration. Designed with a focus on water quality, they have also been rigorously tested to ensure optimal circulation with multiple outlets, providing a safe and clean environment for swimmers.”
Alternative for school pools
Following this rigorous testing, STA is also supporting the use of BUNKA Pools in schools. They have been specifically designed for commercial use, and therefore provide a safe alternative to ‘pop-up’ pools for delivering school swimming lessons onsite. This would significantly help schools by addressing the current health and safety concerns surrounding ‘temporary’ aquatic facilities that cannot meet the industry’s required operational guidelines. If required, they can also be relocated.
Lee Waterworth, Founder of Bunka Group, said: “We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with STA – a collaboration that represents over three years of dedication, innovation, and perseverance. Behind the scenes, we have worked tirelessly to overcome challenges, driven by our passion for creating accessible, high-quality water spaces that support education, health, and wellness.”
“This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to making a real difference in the industry, ensuring more people can benefit from the life-changing power of water. Together with the STA, we are shaping the future of aquatic education and wellbeing – one Bunka pool at a time.”
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